In February, researchers from the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) were granted a patent for an innovative new wheelchair. The Mobility Enhancement Robotic Wheelchair, or MEBot for short, is capable of dealing with difficult, uneven terrain while keeping its user safe and providing a smooth ride. MEBot’s programming detects when it encounters surfaces of different steepness and compensates for it. Its six height-adjustable wheels work in a variety of modes that allow it to climb curbs and deal with other differences in elevation.
HERL is a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and UPMC Health System. View a video of MEBot.
